NSW tourism to receive $52.9 million boost

The New South Wales government will invest $52.9 million into the tourism industry over the coming year in order to boost NSW as Australia?s top destination.

Part of the funds, which were announced on Tuesday in the Keneally government?s 2010-11 budget, are expected to go towards the domestic and global roll out of new regional NSW and Sydney tourism campaigns.

?These campaigns are worth around $22 million a year for the next three years,? said Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay

?We will continue our investment in the joint three year, $8.8 million tourism marketing partnership between the NSW and Queensland Governments

?The NSW Budget also supports the development of partnerships with 13 major international and domestic airlines with a total campaign value of more than $10 million per year.?

She added that a $3.6 million investment would be made in Regional Tourism Organisations, to be matched by industry investment, for local tourism campaigns.

?This means Regional Tourism Organisations and their industry partners will have access to local marketing funds of more than $7.2 million in 2010-11,?

?The Keneally Government will also work with the regions and industry on state-wide marketing campaigns worth a further $5.7 million.?

Industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) have welcomed the funds which it believes will help maintain employment and private sector investment.

?The $40.9 million set aside for Events NSW will allow the ongoing cultivation of an events calendar to drive visitation throughout the year? said TTF Executive Director Brett Gale in a statement.

?TTF also recognises the $6.7 million for improving public safety and enhanced amenities at the key tourism precincts of Circular Quay, the Rocks and Darling Harbour.

?Investing in new tourism product and upgrading existing amenities will ensure that the tourism industry continues to deliver economic benefits to NSW.

However, TTF noted that it was ?disappointing? not to see a longer‐term commitment to expanding convention and exhibition facilities, either near the CBD or at Sydney Olympic Park.

?Conference and convention delegates are the highest‐yield tourist category, spending more per capita than every other type of visitor.